How to take good quality photos. As always, it’s good and great to turn out in photographs? How to learn to pose beautifully for a photo? How to smile beautifully in photos? Work on yourself

If you have already familiarized yourself with the basics of framing, figured out how your camera works, try to master photography further and try to learn how to make good pictures that you can not only decorate, but will not be ashamed to show people. So, what is needed in order to understand how to photograph correctly?

Learn the basics if you haven't already. First of all, this includes a thoughtful reading of the manual for the camera and an understanding of the principles of framing. For starters, of course, you can try to crop on intuition and inspiration, but knowing how to frame a frame correctly is very important.

Be always ready! A good shot is partly the luck of being in the right place at the right time. Carry your camera with you as often as you can. Make sure you use your camera often too. As practice shows, simply carrying a camera with you in most cases does not lead to the expected results.

With experience, the understanding will come that a good and interesting shot can be taken right now, on the spot. And even a few - this is the ability to photograph correctly - not to miss the opportunity and learn to see the frame in everything that surrounds.

Become a catcher! Try to take pictures at different times of the day, go on a photo hunt every day and learn to see different subjects, look at things from a photographic point of view.

Don't wait for the right moment. Look for that moment on your own. Remember - your moment is not on the other side of the globe, but in the same mall where you are now.

Stop looking for things to photograph and learn to see.

Pay attention, for example, to . Or vice versa - look for "the complete absence of color" in the color world.

Look for repetition and rhythm. Or vice versa, something that looks completely isolated from the outside world.

Watch for light, or lack of it. Photograph shadows, reflections, light coming through something. Or even things that are in complete darkness, but are drawn with only one light outline.

Watch for emotions, gestures, when you shoot people. Watch them. Catch happiness, mischief or sadness. The person looks thoughtful or annoyed that the camera is pointed at him - these are your shots!

Pay attention to . Great black-and-white photography can be very helpful in training this skill, because the black-and-white world forces the photographer to look at himself with different eyes.

Play with contrasts. Look for what might stand out from the rest of the shot. Notice: color against a background of grayness, light among darkness, etc. If you're photographing people, try to find a subject in a context that makes it stand out. Seek photographic happiness in the most unexpected places!

Keep your photos simple. Get rid of unnecessary details in the frame. Remove everything that interferes with perception, which does not create an important context for understanding the photo in its entirety.

Show your work to other photographers. And only the best from your point of view. Not good, not “nothing like that”, but the best, on which you yourself cannot find fault with anything. Even harsh criticism, at times, opens your eyes and gives a new breath to creativity or tells you where to move on. It is worth noting, however, that not all criticism should cause you to have an attack of feeling your own inadequacy.

Look for and read other photographers' critiques. Don't just fall into the "criticize my photos" trap when looking at pictures in terms of pixels. Look for constructive criticism, listen to artists and professionals. If a person has an art education or his works are bought up by connoisseurs, this is a good reason to listen to his opinion.

Figure out what's right in your shots and what you're doing wrong. Artists are able to clearly tell you about such things.

Do not suffer because it seems immodest to you to brag about your achievements. All photographers love to be praised. However, do not be too arrogant and impudent. This will help to get adequate criticism.

Post your photos on photo sites. Everywhere where photographers communicate, there is a fertile environment for the development of the creative potential of beginners. Read photography lessons on Photogor, study criticism, see as many photos of famous and professional photographers as possible, train your photo perception in this way.

Learn the technical details of how to photograph properly.
You will definitely have to learn what shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and much more. You can do it yourself, or with the help of all the same photography lessons from professional photographers.

Find your niche. Try all genres of photography! You may find that you easily get along with people and they enjoy posing for you, and you get beautiful portraits, or you may find that the weather does not bother you and you like to shoot landscapes. Or maybe you will enjoy the pleasure you get when shooting a sports event? Don't limit yourself. Search!

Most photographers can be conditionally divided into directors and catchers - directors participate in creating a shot, add details to it, deftly manipulate the mood of the model, organize dozens of people to create one shot.

Catchers have a different policy, their art is to become invisible, to see the natural beauty in the real world, when their art reaches the heights, they stop casting a shadow and are reflected in the mirror, and the models themselves undress in their presence, paying attention to them no more than on a piece of furniture.
Think about who you are and what method is closer to you.

Unfortunately, none of the above can turn a bad photo into a good one. There are many more aspects from moral to complex laws of composition construction that can teach you the correct and systematic approach, develop the necessary skills and give the necessary impetus to move in the right direction and help you learn - how to take the right photo.

With the advent of digital and SLR cameras available to the general population, photography has become a very common hobby and even a source of income for many, so more and more people are wondering how to learn photography. We'll tell you what you need to do to go above and beyond family gatherings and sightseeing photos.

Start with the basics

Learn the basics of photography, which includes knowing about composition, exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc. Information about this can be found in specialized literature or on Internet resources. We suggest watching the following video about the basics of photography.

Understand what features your camera has and how it works - read the user manual.

You need to learn how to hold the camera correctly. Usually, the body of the camera is held with the right hand, the index finger is within reach of the shutter button, and the lens is supported from below with the left hand to avoid shaking.

Genres of photography

The main genres include such as landscape, portrait, still life, reportage photography. Starting to photograph, decide what genre you like the most and develop in this direction.

Landscape

When looking at a good landscape shot, the viewer should have an understanding of what made the photographer stop at this particular frame and shoot this landscape.

Portrait

The most attractive object of shooting was and remains a person. Ideally, the task of a portrait photographer is not just to show a person, but to learn how to convey his image, mood, inner world.

Still life

This genre is designed to present various household items and art in an elegant form. And by depicting objects belonging to a particular person, you can reveal his inner world and character.

reportage photography

The photo essay is designed to capture the natural course of an event, enclosed in a certain time frame. Such shooting assumes the absence of a production, as a rule, a reportage is shot impromptu. You can shoot concerts, holidays, sports and much more.

A good photographer always thinks before pressing the shutter button, so everyone who wants to learn how to take pictures, regardless of the chosen genre, we advise you to pay attention to the following recommendations:

Learning to photograph takes constant practice. Shoot every day. Take your camera with you everywhere and do not miss the opportunity to capture your favorite moment.

At first, you can take pictures of at least everything in a row, but after you get used to the camera, do not wait for a good subject to come to hand - look for this subject. When an idea pops into your head, find a way to bring it to life.

These tips will come in handy for those who want to learn how to take photos for themselves, and those who want to take a photo.

WikiHow is a wiki, which means that many of our articles are written by multiple authors. When creating this article, 24 people worked on editing and improving it, including anonymously.

It's not easy to take a good photo of yourself. When you photograph yourself, you not only think about whether you look good, but also about whether you are photographing yourself from the right angle? But if you prepare everything right, know how to pose the best, and follow a few simple rules, you can take great photos of yourself. If you want to know how to successfully photograph yourself, read on.

Steps

Preparing to take a photo of yourself

Prepare your hair. If your hair sticks out in all directions or covers part of your face, the photos may not turn out the best. Make sure your hair is combed and styled in a way that won't create any bad effects.

They don't have to be perfectly styled, just make sure they don't detract from your face.

Make up. When you photograph yourself, you should use a little more make-up than usual so that your facial features don't look washed out by the bright light. But, do not overdo it, otherwise you will not look like yourself, or create a mask effect. If you don't wear a lot of makeup in your life, you can just use mascara and lip gloss to draw attention to your features.
- If your skin is naturally a little oily, you can use a face powder or use natural products for oily skin on your skin. Such skin may look even oilier in the photo.
Prepare lighting. Natural lighting is best, but you can experiment with lighting in different rooms. Always take pictures in rooms where there is enough light to show all your facial features.
- If you are in the house, stand by the window.
- If you are outdoors, take pictures early in the morning or late in the evening so that strong sunlight does not ruin your photos.
Choose the right background. The background you choose shouldn't draw attention away from you, or make you look dull by comparison. If you are in a house, a plain white or colored wall will do. Don't stand in front of a wall full of posters and bright patterns or you won't stand out.
- If you are away from home, choose a calm background, such as trees or a lake. Avoid posing in front of other people and moving objects (such as buses).
Try to keep the camera in a straight hand. This is the most common way to photograph yourself, so you should practice before you take it seriously. This way you won't have photos where the forearm looks too big and takes up the floor of the photo.
- Since your arms will get tired, don't forget to take breaks to adjust the lighting or change clothes.
Set yourself up for the positive. Your photos will turn out much better if you feel good about yourself. You will be more relaxed in front of the camera and you will be in the mood to experiment. During the photo session, put on music that lifts your spirits or sing along to your favorite tune.

In the process of photographing

Prepare your camera. You should try several poses to find which one best emphasizes your features. If your camera has a timer or multi-shot, you can have the camera take multiple photos in a row, giving you the time you need to strike the desired pose and smile. You may do better if you don't have to operate the camera and pose at the same time.

Set the camera timer so that you have enough time to calmly return to your seat and take the desired pose.
If you like taking pictures with a timer, you can buy a camera with a remote control.

Experiment with shooting angles. You should try as many angles as possible to choose the most suitable one. You should not take pictures with the camera under you, otherwise you will appear shorter and you will have a double chin. If the camera is slightly taller than you, you will appear slimmer and taller.
- Do not take pictures with the camera directly in front of your face, otherwise the face will look "square". It is better to hold the camera slightly to the left or to the right for more dynamic photos.
- Try 10 or 20 different angles. Just play around until you find the best angle for your face. Remember that just because one hairstyle looks great from one angle, it doesn't mean that another hairstyle will also look good from that angle.
- Try to take pictures in front of a mirror. This will give a new perspective to the photos.
Take as many photos as possible. Keep taking pictures until you get a great photo. If you do not have a film camera, then you have nothing to lose. Try out as many looks as you can, change clothes and hair until you look great. You can also change backgrounds, whether you're outdoors or at home.
- If you've found the perfect location for your photos, try taking photos at different times of the day to see how lighting affects your photos.
Get the opinion of your friends. Show photos to your friends and family before posting them online for a second opinion. You may think that you look good, but an honest opinion will help you improve your photos next time.

In our digital time, when there’s a camera installed almost everywhere, even in a matchbox, everything that is left is to enjoy ourselves in photos. But unfortunately the result is often frustrating. It seems that everything works towards a great photo: atmosphere, dress and make-up. But when you look at a camera screen the first thing you want to do is to delete the photo, and the second one – to cry.

Why does it happen? Why do we often look bad in photos?

We know how to eat and hold a spoon and a fork, we know how to drive a car and that we need to cross the road when green light is on. We have been learning this since we were born. But nobody taught us how to look good in photos, and this is a skill as well.

Those people who look bad in photos again and again, tell themselves: “We’re non-photogenic”. But in fact, there are no photogenic and non-photogenic people. One should just learn how to look good in photos.

One of my specializations is to shoot an individual portfolio. I work with people who are nowhere near model business and are often stand in front of a camera for the first time. I know almost everything that a person standing in front of the camera might tell me. And I work with this. And my work gets a lot of positive feedback.

I would like to share 9 tips, which will significantly improve photos of you. And it doesn't matter whether you are going to a photo session of a professional photographer or a picture will be taken by your friend with an amateur camera.

1. There are 3 main pillars that create an image, and if you follow them, your picture will be really successful. One of them is proper clothes. In my work, I’m assisted by a stylist who chooses clothes for a model and if it’s necessary finds the clothes I need to create a complete image. But you don't need a stylist to improve your appearance.

Put on clothes of neutral tones without conspicuous and extremely bright colors for a photo session. If, for example, you are wearing red top, a viewer will see this top first, and only then you.

Clothes should preferably have no patterns and stripes. So leave leopard dresses and tops with large patterns at home. Firstly, you’ll get lost in them, and secondly not all cameras can cope with complicated patterns of clothes.

And it is very important to complete your image with accessories. I always remind my models about accessories prior to photo session. Don't forget to put on relevant pendant or a bracelet that will emphasize your appearance.

2. The second photography pillar is a background. Here advice is similar to that for clothes. No aggressive colours, patterns and stripes. The more homogeneous background is the better. It's mauvais ton to have a picture taken with a carpet behind. But you already know it.

Background shall match your image. If you put on a Victorian style dress, and choose to have a photo session in a hi-tech interior, it will look rather strange. The same is if you decide to have a photo session in a field of wheat while wearing your wedding dress. What sane bride will go to the country to have a photo session in a dusty dirty field?

That's why choose a location in line with the idea you want to implement.

3. The third pillar to create your image is you, the photographer's model. And the next 7 tips are all about this.

There are no photogenic or non-photogenic people. There are people that like and respect themselves. Such people feel sure in front of the camera, they are as they are. That's why first of all get to like yourself. I understand this is a piece of advice from the psychological area, and you need more than 10 visits to a psychologist, but you shall try. Attend photographer's consultation at least. Perhaps a photographer will dispel lots of your doubts. Because photo session in reality is a bit different from what you expect. For example, I try not to appoint a photo session without preliminary meeting.

There is one more trick that will set you up for the photo session and will help you loosen up. This trick was proposed by one New-York photo school and due to its efficiency it has quickly become very popular all over the world.

When you are home alone, stand in front of the mirror and say 100 times while stroking yourself: I'm the most beautiful. I'm the best. I love myself very much. If you can tell this 100 times without laughing, you can become an actress in Hollywood. And no photo session can frighten you then.

4. Preparation for a photo session is very important. As I've mentioned above, I always try to meet those whom I'm going to shoot. This helps us to understand each other more quickly and not to waste time during the photo session. During the meeting I also try to find a reason, why a person comes to my photo studio and basing on this information we discuss a topic of our photo session. We also plan it.

Communicate with a photographer prior to your photo session. Half-hour talk several days before the photo session will save you couple of hours during the shooting.

5. The 5th tip is a make-up. Make-up is aimed at emphasizing advantages and concealing disadvantages of your skin. Of course, lots can be done in Photoshop now, but believe me, it will be lower in cost to use services of a professional make-up artist, than of a professional retoucher.

6. Rest and general state. It's important to sleep well prior to a photo session. Because sleep is a health itself. If you come to a photo session wishing that everything is finished as soon as possible, you'll never get good pictures then. It's impossible to conceal eye fatigue and lack of tone in your muscles.

I also forbid alcohol both during a photo session and the day before it. The reason is the same as that for sleep. It may seem that alcohol can loosen you up, but it's not so. It can liberate your thoughts, but not your body or poses. And very often, a person that has taken even 50 grams of alcohol looks rather funny.

7. In many cases, people are afraid of shooting, because they don't know how to pose right. Here I'll give you several pieces of advice that will help you to put your arms and legs to look good in the photo. But remember that the main posing is in your head. I've already mentioned this for the 3d tip, and I'll talk about it later.

To conceal an extra weight you gained during holidays, stand in front of a photographer half-turned. This will conceal your figure and make your waist slimmer.

Remember, straight lines are forbidden in the poses. Bend your arms, legs and tilt your head a bit. Just a bit. But the joints shall be half-bent. Photographers call it Rule of Triangles. When you, so to speak, draw several triangles with your body.

Crossing elements, for example arms, always attract attention. This is an example of how to create mood in a photo with the help of a body.

Don't hump your shoulders. This is a common mistake of many people. Crane you neck a bit. And lower a shoulder which is closer to a photographer.

Don't lean towards a photographer. By this you'll have a square-shaped figure and no waist.
These are just a few tips for posing. But in general, just trust your photographer. Seeing you through the lenses, a photographer knows better how you should stand.

8. Be natural. Forget about those broken poses from magazines. These poses are for professional models advertising clothes. And you have a photo session for yourself. That's why be natural. Because the more natural you look, the better the picture is!

9. One more psychological tip to improve the way you look in the photo is to get into a character. how?

For example, you came to a studio to have a business portrait. Imagine that you're the main and the most important person in your profession. You're an idol for many newbies; magazines and newspapers write about you. People want to have your autograph. Imagine all this. Have you?

Or you want to have a picture for social networks to find a husband. Imagine that you love and are loved in return. Imagine the man, you want to have a photo for, imagine how he hugs you, gives you presents and kisses. How do you spend time with him. Have you imagined?

Look, how you've straightened up, see the gleam in your eyes, you're confident in yourself and you don't have to think about your pose any more. Now you're posing like a professional model. It's very simple. And this is the most important of my tips.

And always ask yourself a question “Why?” This question will allow you to avoid lots of unnecessary and stupid photos. For example, if you come to a birch and embrace it, ask yourself “why am I doing this?” If you have no answer, then you should just give it up and try to find another story for your photo session.

If you are going to open an online store, you will definitely need high-quality images of the products offered to attract customers. It is best, of course, to entrust this task to a professional photographer with extensive experience in product photography, but not everyone has such a financial opportunity. If you need to stay within a limited budget when taking photos, or if you are passionate about photography from the beginning, why not try taking professional shots yourself? Follow these tips and make your dream of a professional photo shoot a reality!

Let there be light

Natural light is the key to the success of any photograph. As a rule, it is easiest to achieve the best results during daylight shooting. It is important not only the total amount of light, but also its uniform distribution. For optimal distribution of light, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the meaning of the concepts of "shadow" and "penumbra".

A shadow is formed when the size of an object exceeds the size of the light source. Therefore, penumbra is formed when the light source is larger than the object being photographed. To obtain a qualitative result, it is desirable to strive for the formation of a penumbra effect.

In the photo below, you can see how diffuse (diffuse) light contributes to an even distribution of illumination over the surface of the object, creating a "softer" image. To avoid the formation of a dense shadow, use a diffuse filter: wrap the flash window with white tape or a white bag. With this design, the surface of the object will be evenly and softly lit and will not reflect a bright light source.

Infinitely white background

In product photography, a pure white background is often preferred, as it helps the viewer's eye to easily focus on the object being photographed. The white background creates the illusion of infinity, where a calming white light takes the place of the horizon. To create a white background at home, place a sheet of white paper or a piece of fabric so that the main part lies on the table, and the edge smoothly curves upwards, leaning on the back of a chair or some kind of box. The illusion of an endless white background will help to put the photographed object in the spotlight.

An unexpected look at things

Nobody knows your product better than you. At the same time, a photo shoot is a great opportunity to see the object being photographed in a new light, which may surprise even you. Try to shoot your product from unusual angles, shoot close-ups, and constantly look for unique angles. Emphasize different angles of the object so that the image conveys the "story" of the product. You never know which angle will give the most impact, so try different angles.

Use a tripod and a timer

The slightest camera shake may cause the picture to be blurry and blurry. Moreover, the smaller the distance between the camera and the subject, the greater the amount of blur. A tripod will help keep the camera steady for a sharper and better photo. Even the simplest and most inexpensive tripod will help achieve the desired result. You can also use the camera's built-in timer to prevent camera shake and maximize image clarity.

Give the right sense of scale

To increase the recognition of the product in the photo, it is desirable to give visitors the right sense of scale. Include a familiar object in the frame, in comparison with which, the user can easily determine the size of your product. For example, if you're selling a miniature doll, you can take a picture of it next to a regular pencil to give a clear idea of its size.

Create a natural setting

Try to place the subject in natural conditions for him. This will help the potential buyer visualize your product in their daily life. Additional items can also help highlight the product's selling points. For example, if you're selling a watch, take a picture of the watch on your wrist. If you are photographing a gift book, place it on the coffee table next to a small fruit bowl. For shooting jewelry or clothing in a natural setting, it is advisable to take at least one shot of the item on the model. Thus, a potential buyer can mentally try on the item on himself, and you will get the opportunity to emphasize the characteristics of your target audience.

"Available in green, brown and blue"

If the product is available in different colors, show it to customers in all its glory! In many online stores, the product is presented in a single copy with the inscription "also available in the colors: blue, red and purple." Combining different colors of products in one photo will give the image a richer and livelier character and help emphasize the attractiveness of the product. As the saying goes, one picture is better than a thousand words.

Do not delete pictures from the camera

Do not rush to criticize your pictures. Be patient and download all the photos from the photo shoot to your computer, because they look completely different on a large screen. This way you can pick out the best shots and weed out the worst ones.

It's all about the details

If you want to emphasize one or another detail of the product, you will need a function for shooting close-ups. This mode is called "macro" and in most modern cameras it is indicated by a flower icon that resembles a tulip. The macro function is often used when photographing small objects, such as jewelry or flowers. It gives the image a high depth of field and changes the scale perspective. In this way, the background remains blurred, which makes many photos more interesting.

Professional advice: If the "macro" mode is not enough to shoot a really miniature part, use a special extension tube. This professional technique will help focus the lens on the smallest details.